The Essentials

The modern day term "aromatherapy" wasn't coined until the early 1900's, but the use of essential oils in folk medicine dates much further back. Throughout history, people have cultivated plants and herbs using them for a wide variety of medicinal purposes from wound care to curing disease. Today, these pure plant essences are used around the world to treat ailments and promote good health and emotional well-being.

Essential oils are derived from plants such as flowers, fruit, and herbs, wood, bark, and spices. Through a distillation process, the oils are extracted and used in many forms including topically, inhalation, and ingestion. Oils are added to another carrier oil for use, and it is important to note if these oils are extracted via a chemical process, they are no longer considered pure essential oils. There are more then 100 types of oils, each with a specific and unique scent and health benefit.

Some of the most common uses for essential oils include stress reduction, improving sleep quality, treatment of headaches and migraines, combating inflammation, and as antimicrobial or antibiotic compounds. From diffusing to DIY natural cleaning products, added to baths for aromatherapy or applied topically, there are many options for adding in these powerhouse compounds to your wellness routine.

Here's a list of the most popular oils and common uses:

Lavender: Relieves stress; alleviates headaches; improves eczema; reduces acne and scarring

Peppermint: Boosts energy; treats nausea & aids digestion; reduces muscle pain and itching

Lemon: Stimulates immune system; detoxifying astringent & disinfectant

Tea Tree: Fights infection / natural antiseptic; deodorizes ; insect repellent

Bergamot, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Jasmine, Eucalyptus and Rose are also popular oils and offer many of the same benefits as the aforementioned. You can find more oils and their uses in skincare, natural cleaners, pain and illness relief, aromatherapy and more clean remedies here: https://wyndmerenaturals.com/pages/essential-oil-descriptions

When choosing a brand of high-quality oils there are a few things to keep in mind since they can vary greatly and are part of an unregulated industry.

- Make sure the brand uses "pure" or "medical grade" oils free of additives. (an easy way to be certain is by reading the label, if it states the full plant's botanical name that is usually an indication it is free from synthetic additives).

- I also recommend doing your research to be sure you are purchasing from a brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products.

Here is a link listing some of the most reputable brands: https://www.airlifebetter.com/best-essential-oil-brands/

The use of essential oils in my day to day routine has improved so many facets from diffusing to reduce anxiety and cleansing the air of environmental toxins, to adding a relaxing aroma to a bath, and as a natural cleaning agent in many of my homemade household cleaners!Below is a list of other resources if you are interested in more information on the uses and benefits of essential oils in your life.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-essential-oils-88807

https://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/default.asp

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-do-i-choose-and-use-essential-oils

*ALWAYS be sure to educate yourself on how to use each oil so that it is effective and safe. Just because it is natural does not exclude the use of essential oils from having side effects if used incorrectly! (For instance, most oils are not meant to be ingested and some oils must be mixed with a carrier for topical use.)